10 Best Art Exhibitions in London

Art is always a good idea, especially when in London.

Whichever your preference, be it Abstract Expressionism, Old Masters, Pop Art, Surrealism or Sculpture, London’s treasury of brimming, purposely curated, world-renowned art galleries and museums will have you covered.  Among them the Tate Modern, the National Portrait Gallery, Saatchi Gallery and more, each home to an impressive collection that speaks to its theme of work and history.  While in town seek out the latest exhibitions, find iconic works in famous London galleries, and explore the city's smaller art galleries for treasures. Whether you're into fine art, photography, contemporary works or art-focused events, the capital has you covered with unrivalled displays of them all. Best of all is that all of the art museums in London have free entry to their permanent collections, with their hosted temporary exhibitions well worth the ticket price.

The BusinessClass.com guide to the ten Best Art Exhibitions in London.

people looking at paintings at tate britain, one of the best art exhibitions in london
Best Spas in London

1. Tate Britain

The Tate Britain forms part of the Tate network of four art galleries in London, Liverpool and Cornwall, namely the Tate Britain, Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives. Situated in Millbank and facing the River Thames, it is on the former site of Millbank Prison. Opened in 1987, it is the oldest member of the Tate gallery network and is one of the largest and most prominent museums in the country. Previously known as the National Gallery of British Art and as the Tate Gallery, officially became the Tate Britain when all the modern artworks were moved to the newly opened Tate Modern in 2000. 

Guides Toplists - 10 Best Art Exhibitions in London
Tate Britain

The Tate Britain is dedicated to historical and contemporary British art with renowned artists such as Turner, Millais, Rossetti and Hockney. Holding works from the 1500s to contemporary artworks, the gallery also consists of several rooms specifically focussing on one artist, these include Tracey Emin, John Latham and Sam Taylor-Wood. Other artists included in the gallery are Thomas Gainsborough, Lucian Freud, Peter Blake and Damien Hirst, and it is considered the most comprehensive collection of art, of its kind, across the globe. Round off your next trip with our very own Tate coffee and a slice of something sweet in the Member's Room.

Address: Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG

Where to stay: Shangri-La at The Shard London

Tate Modern
Tate Modern

2. Tate Modern

The Tate Modern is London's national museum of modern and contemporary art that sits in what was once the Bankside Power Station, on the South Bank waterfront. It holds over a hundred years of art, from modernism in the early 1900s, to exciting works being created today. This includes paintings, sculptures, and more made by artists all over the world such as Pablo Picasso, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, and Jenny Holzer. 

people looking around Tate Modern
Tate Modern  

The permanent collection of modern British art includes pieces by Damien Hirst and Jackson Pollock – and the international art display includes works by Auguste Rodin and Henri Matisse. The main draw is its changing exhibitions which have included works from Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe and Andy Warhol. On the top level of the Blavatnik Building is a viewing platform offering some of the best of London. The museum’s Turbine Hall runs the length of the entire building and showcases specific artists. If you're looking for large-scale art projects, between October and March is when the displays are most impressive and often designed to provoke thought and conversation.

Address. Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG

Where to stay: 45 Park Lane

National Portrait Gallery
National Portrait Gallery 

3. National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery was founded in 1856 to promote an appreciation of the people who’ve been integral in the making of Britain through the use of portraiture. The portraits are collected for historical and record-keeping purposes and presented chronologically, beginning with the Tudors and moving through the 21st century. The different themes and areas have other period objects complementing the pictures. 

people sitting looking at the paintings at National Portrait Gallery
National Portrait Gallery

Now with 215,000 works in a variety of media: paintings, drawings, medallions, sculptures, photographs, motion pictures, and video recordings, 150,000 of which are illustrated from the 16th Century to the present day. Come face to face with kings and queens, politicians and poets, soldiers and scientists, artists and writers, philosophers and celebrities including Elizabeth I and J. K. Rowling. Behind each image is a fascinating story giving insight into the individual and how they enriched British culture.

Address: St. Martin's Place, London WC2H 0HE (reopening early 2023)

Where to stay: Dukes

 Royal Academy of Arts
 Royal Academy of Arts

4. Royal Academy of Arts

The Royal Academy of Arts is an art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly in London was founded in 1768. The 250-year-old art gallery and independent charity hosts major exhibitions by historic and living artists, including one of the biggest shows in the London social calendar: the annual Summer Exhibition. An independent, privately funded institution led by artists and architects, it presents a full program as well as displays of art and architecture. Its purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions and debate. Income from visitors and supporters provides education in the Royal Academy Schools and supports the Collection. During the Summer months, the hidden garden on the lower-ground floor of the Keeper’s House is open. 

The Royal Academy of Arts, one of the best art exhibitions in london
The Royal Academy of Arts

The passion project of renowned landscaper Tom Stuart-Smith, the green oasis houses additional works of art. In the gallery shop, you’ll find gifts for the art lovers in your life, from original art and editions to art materials and books. While there, stop for a coffee and light snack at the Courtyard Café and Poster Bar by José or experience a taste of Spain at José Pizarro’s restaurant in the Senate Room in Burlington Gardens.

Address: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD

Where to stay: Brown's

The Wallace Collection from outside
The Wallace Collection

5. The Wallace Collection

At The Wallace Collection is where you’ll find Old Master paintings, stunning decorative art pieces, ancient armouries and an attractive courtyard restaurant. One of London’s loveliest small art galleries, set in the 18th-century townhouse of Sir Richard and Lady Wallace, who collected fine artefacts over generations. It is named after Sir Richard Wallace, who built the extensive collection, and the collection features decorative arts from the 15th to the 19th centuries, with many French 18th-century paintings. 

The Wallace Collection, one of the best art exhibitions in london
The Wallace Collection

The Wallace Collection was bequeathed to the British nation by Lady Wallace, Sir Richard's widow, in 1897. Decked out with elaborate gilding and wall silks, the townhouse’s 28 rooms are filled with sculptures, furniture and porcelain. The Rainbow Landscape by Peter Paul Rubens; The Laughing Cavalier by Frans Hals; and Titus, the Artist’s Son by Rembrandt are highlights not to be missed. The Wallace Collection's courtyard is the glamorous location for Peyton and Byrne's French-style brasserie and café. Flooded with natural light and surrounded by trees and sculptures, the Wallace Restaurant offers al fresco dining in a sublime setting protected from the elements and bustle of the city.

Address: The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN

Where to stay: The Connaught

Hayward Gallery at Southbank Centre
Hayward Gallery at Southbank Centre

6. Hayward Gallery at Southbank Centre 

The Hayward Gallery is a world-renowned contemporary art gallery and landmark of brutalist architecture. It forms part of the South Bank Centre in an area of art venues alongside the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcel Rooms and the Poetry Library. Opened by Her Majesty The Queen in 1968, it’s an icon of sixties brutalist architecture and one of the few remaining buildings of this style. Designed by a group of young architects, including Dennis Crompton, Warren Chalk and Ron Herron, it is named after the late Sir Isaac Hayward, the former leader of the London County Council. 

Hayward Gallery at Southbank Centre from the inside
Hayward Gallery at Southbank Centre

The gallery was recently closed for refurbishment, with improvements including skylights to let in more natural light, and the concrete surfaces being polished to perfection. In addition to putting on major exhibitions and commissioning new artworks, the Hayward Gallery organises projects, installations and talks. It has hosted exhibitions by Antony Gormley, Dan Flavin, Roy Lichtenstein, Tracey Emin as well as surveys of the Arts Council Collection and garden teak furniture designs.

Address: Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX

Where to stay: The Goring

The Saatchi Gallery
The Saatchi Gallery

7. Saatchi Gallery

The Saatchi Gallery has presented contemporary art exhibitions showcasing the work of emerging artists since it was opened by Charles Saatchi in 1985. These exhibitions drew upon the collection of Charles Saatchi, which led to the gallery becoming a recognised authority in contemporary art. The Gallery acquired a strong reputation for introducing artists who would later gain worldwide recognition. In 2019 Saatchi Gallery became a registered charity and began a new chapter in its history. The mission is to provide a platform for contemporary art and culture while supporting artists and making contemporary art accessible to all. 

Guides Toplists - 10 Best Art Exhibitions in London

They thrive on collaborating with emerging artists and introducing their work to more people. As a charity, the organisation strives to be self-funded. The Saatchi Gallery is housed in the historical Duke of York headquarters on Chelsea’s famous King Road, with three floors and over 21 000 square meters devoted to temporary exhibitions. Visitors can opt for a guided or self-guided tour.

Address: Duke of York's HQ, King's Rd, London SW3 4RY

Where to stay: Mandarin Oriental, London

people outside South London Gallery, one of the best art exhibitions in london
South London Gallery

8. South London Gallery 

The South London Gallery opened in Camberwell in 1891 and is a public-funded gallery of contemporary art, live art and events. The expansion of the South London Gallery designed by 6a architects provides new gallery spaces, a café, a flat for an artist in residence and a new education building. The original top-lit gallery is one of the finest art spaces in London. The area is a melting pot of culture and style from the leafy suburb of Richmond to the history-rich streets of Greenwich, and the nightlife of Clapham.

South London Gallery
South London Gallery

The special character of the building has long inspired artists and played a vital role in establishing its reputation for launching talent. The gallery’s historic art collection has more than 5,000 paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, and ceramics in it.  The collection includes self-portraits by a range of artists and works relating to the local area. The bookshop has a selection of books, magazines, stationery and gifts suitable for all ages.

Address: 65 Peckham Rd, London SE5 8UH

Where to stay: One Aldwych

Leighton House, Holland Park
Leighton House, Holland Park

9. Leighton House, Holland Park

Leighton House on the edge of Holland Park in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, is the former home and studio of the leading Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton ( 1830 to 1896). From the house’s construction in the 1860s up until shortly before Leighton’s death, it was a constant preoccupation for him absorbing large amounts of his time, money and effort.

Leighton House, Holland Park from the inside
Leighton House, Holland Park

It is here that he lived, worked and entertained and came to embody the idea of how a great artist should live. Leighton had taken trips to Turkey, Egypt and Syria, where he collected textiles, pottery and Arabian artefacts which he displayed in his house, eventually expanding to include the Arab Hall – which today is a highlight of any visit. Leighton’s house has been one of London’s hidden treasures for decades. Leighton was the most prominent artist of his day, a celebrated painter and president of the Royal Academy of Arts and his tastes are reflected in the furnishing of the homes.

Address: 2 Holland Park Rd, London W14 8LZ

Where to stay: Bulgari London

Dulwich Picture Gallery
Dulwich Picture Gallery

10. Dulwich Picture Gallery

Dulwich Picture Gallery sits in the heart of Dulwich Village between Brixton and Peckham and was the first purpose-built art gallery in the world. Opening to the public in 1817 in a building designed and built by the leading architect Sir John Soane, it holds a significant collection of 17th-and-18th-century European Old Masters. The majority of the current permanent collection originates from the successful art dealership of King Augustus of Poland.

Guides Toplists - 10 Best Art Exhibitions in London
Dulwich Picture Gallery

His wish was for a Royal Collection from across Europe to have a permanent home. Of the collection, 600 did find their way to the Dulwich Picture Gallery and have been on display since the art museum first opened its doors with European masterpieces by the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens, Gainsborough and Canaletto. The Dulwich Picture Gallery has a great connection to art in the modern world and holds temporary exhibitions and hosts lectures There is a gift shop on site where visitors can buy books, homeware and unique souvenirs. 

Address: Gallery Rd, London SE21 7AD

Where to stay: St. Ermin's 

BusinessClass.com searches hundreds of travel sites simultaneously to help you find the best premium flight offers to London. BusinessClass.com also compares all the major hotel suppliers to give you the very best prices in the finest hotels.